|
from the past |
Sears Point |
|
|
|
 |
Berrellessa St. Martinez, 1995. This wigwag was barley clinging to life the last time I saw it here. It barely moved! I think that the railroad caught on, by next year this is what it looked like...... |
| Now... | |
| Yes, it's the same mast and foundation,
but it was converted to a highway flasher. You'll notice a new foundation
is in place right behind it. As a result of a major creek widening project
by the City of Martinez, a temporary bridge is being installed (behind
signal), and the line will be relocated a few feet back.
|
 |
Another view taken during the late 80's. Notice that
the banner has yet to be replaced with a Van Dyke repro.
| Then... | |
 |
Another unfortunate recent upgrade occurred here at Sears Point (between Ignacio and Vallejo) on the Northwestern Pacific.Above we see the original signal on a private road leading to a few farm houses. Highway 37 runs just to the left of this photo. I'm guessing that this was Highway 37 before it was widened to 4 lanes many years ago, which means that this signal has been in the same place since the late '20's or '30's. |
| Now... | |
| As you will see in the photo to the right, the wigwag was removed (early '99) and replaced by two highway flashers. You can also see Highway 37 to the left. The last time I witnessed a NWP freight crossing this spot, the wigwag never budged! The NWP has since been forced to upgrade nearly every crossing on the line as part of a multi phase program to comply with FRA standards. As of this writing (4/00) no trains run on NWP tracks. Extensive track repairs are underway as well. More info on this can be found at the NCRY site, as well as the Northwestern Pacific fan website |  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Express Menu
4/30/99
